Filmmaker Hansal Mehta and screenwriter Juhi Chaturvedi will conduct a panel discussion at the virtual Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), 2021. The duo will talk about negotiating the fast-evolving streaming media environment and “how it has changed the independent filmmaking landscape.” The roundtable will be moderated by critic and screenwriter Raja Sen.
For its 10th edition, DIFF will be hosting a curated line-up of live talks, roundtables and a post-production lab as part of the festival's special programming, including discussions with independent filmmakers and conversations on social movements and film.
Filmmakers Anup Singh and Pushpendra Singh will be in conversation about their films and careers, including Singh's Laila Aur Satt Geet, screening at DIFF. Documentary Magazine’s Managing Editor Bedatri Choudhury will moderate a discussion between filmmakers Anam Abbas, Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh titled, The Revolution Will Be Documented, where they will discuss their individual careers documenting grassroots activist movements.
Exile Tibetan filmmakers Tenzin Tsetan Choklay and Ngawang Choephel will discuss Choephel’s new film, Ganden: A Joyful Land, screening at DIFF 2021. They will also explore Choephel’s lifelong work of preserving Tibet's cultural heritage, and the importance of Tibetan storytelling on screen.
Festival Director Ritu Sarin said that the team is thrilled to announce DIFF's special programming events that will “interactively engage with filmmakers and film-lovers.” "Both emerging and established filmmakers are sure to find great value in these in-depth conversations with a range of industry professionals. These timely discussions will explore best practices in the field, social movements in film, modern technological developments in cinema, and more," the statement read.
The festival has announced more Indian and international films as part of its line-up, including filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof's There is No Evil, winner of the Golden Bear at Berlinale 2020, Russia's entry to the Oscars, Dear Comrades, helmed by director Andrei Konchalovsky, New Zealand's The Justice of Bunny King by director Gaysorn Thavat and Portugal's Jack's Ride.
In addition, there will be conversations with first-time filmmakers and on film financing in India. DIFF will also witness the Indian premiere of Anshul Chauhan's Kontora. The 10th edition of the festival will be held online from November 4 to 10.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.